Johnson and Kellogg are two of the most competitive MBA programs in the country, but they differ in key areas. Kellogg holds a stronger US News ranking. Kellogg reports a higher median base salary. Johnson offers lower annual tuition, and Johnson delivers the stronger 5-year ROI. Kellogg is the more selective program by acceptance rate.
| Metric | Johnson | Kellogg |
|---|---|---|
| Rankings | ||
| US News Rank | #152026 | #42026 |
| Bloomberg BBW Rank | #182024 | #62024 |
| Financial Times Rank | #272025 | #102025 |
| QS Global MBA Rank | #222025 | #82025 |
| Admissions & Financials | ||
| Annual Tuition | $71,940 | $78,276 |
| Median Base Salary | $170,000 | $185,000 |
| 5-Year ROI | 491% | 491% |
| Class Size | 297 | 500 |
| Acceptance Rate | 27.0% | 20.2% |
| Median GMAT | 710 | 727 |
| Average GPA | — | — |
Green = better value per metric. Rankings: lower rank number = better. Salary & ROI: higher = better. Acceptance rate & tuition: lower = better.
Cornell Johnson sits within a research university renowned for hospitality, tech, and real estate. Johnson offers immersion learning through its semester-long deep dives into specific industries. Its Tech MBA program in New York City is a unique offering.
Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern is the birthplace of modern marketing education. Known for its collaborative culture, team-based learning, and strong emphasis on leadership development, Kellogg graduates are highly sought after in consulting and consumer goods industries.
Kellogg is a top M7 program; Johnson is a highly ranked T15 school. Kellogg ranks higher in US News, but Johnson delivers a stronger 5-year ROI of 491%. The best choice depends on your career goals and preferred location.
Kellogg is more selective with a 20.2% acceptance rate, compared to 27.0% for Johnson.
Johnson reports a median base salary of $170,000, while Kellogg reports $185,000. Actual salary varies significantly by industry and function.
Johnson annual tuition is $71,940 and Kellogg is $78,276. Johnson offers a 6,336 lower annual cost.
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